Mom'S Peppermint Drops
Mom's Peppermint Drops are sweet, mint-flavored candies with a vibrant color, perfect for holiday treats or a refreshing homemade gift. Ideal for festive occasions and candy lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil sugar and water for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Add small 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
- Add peppermint flavoring to taste.
- Stir well.
- Drop from teaspoon onto wax paper.
- Let cool. Optional: add red or green food coloring if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To prevent the peppermint drops from sticking, ensure they are placed on wax paper with enough space between them. If you want to adjust the sweetness, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but be cautious as it may affect the texture. For a festive touch, consider using natural food colorings made from beet juice or spirulina instead of artificial dyes. This recipe is similar to how you might make Diabetic Pastel Fruit Cookies, focusing on balance.
Serving Suggestions
These peppermint drops make for delightful holiday treats or party favors. They can be served alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a festive touch. For an impressive dessert platter, pair them with Gobs (Yankee Moon Pies) or other sweet delights. You can also use them as a garnish for ice cream or cupcakes to add a refreshing minty flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store the peppermint drops in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy. If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them to prevent stickiness. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other; instead, place layers of wax paper between them. They should stay good for up to two weeks.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Peppermint Drops contains roughly 116 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! You can substitute the peppermint oil with other extracts like almond or vanilla for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the quantity according to the strength of the extract. Experimenting with different flavors can lead to unique treats that pair well with various desserts.
How can I make these drops less sticky?
If you find the drops too sticky, consider adding a little more cream of tartar to the mixture. You can also ensure they're fully cooled and dried before storing. Utilizing a dehumidifier in your kitchen can help maintain a drier environment, which is crucial for keeping confections like these from becoming tacky.
What can I do if the mixture crystallizes?
If your mixture crystallizes while cooking, it can be salvaged by adding a bit of water and gently reheating it over low heat. Stir continuously until it becomes smooth again. To prevent crystallization, avoid stirring the mixture once it starts boiling. This technique is important for achieving smooth results in many candy recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).